Chapter 561: The Death of the High Sparrow

Before the High Sparrow could comprehend the situation, a sword swiftly pierced his heart from behind. A face twisted with hatred stared at him, a follower who once ardently supported him. The same venomous gaze that had previously been directed at Viserys. The assailant shouted repeatedly, "I killed him! I killed him!"

A fierce skirmish erupted within the estate outside the King's Landing.

Viserys, who should have been in the midst of the chaos, had vanished without a trace.

...

News of the arrest of the rebels in King's Landing spread like wildfire. Through rumors, people learned of a monk, devoted in faith, known for his integrity and righteousness. Many believed he embodied the ideals of a monk far more than any, including the Archmaiden, in the Great Sept of Baelor. There were even rumors of the Archmaiden frequenting luxurious establishments in King's Landing. His lavish spending was a topic of discontent among the residents.

Though many had high hopes for the High Sparrow, none dared to publicly support him, especially after the city was recently cleansed of his followers by the internal spies and city guards. The bloodshed was so immense that the streets flowed red, bodies lay everywhere, and many cheered for the sight.

The true followers of the Seven could only silently pray that the High Sparrow would somehow escape and rectify the corruption within the church. However, their prayers seemed in vain as there was no divine intervention for the High Sparrow. News of his death spread across King's Landing the next day. His body was found outside the city, in a luxurious estate, contradicting his public image of humility and service.

Furthermore, the High Sparrow's death was attributed to an internal dispute within his religious faction, seemingly over unequal distribution of benefits. The grand estate's existence was undeniable, leading to much disappointment among his followers.

The once revered High Sparrow's reputation plummeted, deepening people's disillusionment with the church. As the capital of the Seven Kingdoms, King's Landing's political landscape is constantly shifting. If the High Sparrow had refrained from meddling in the affairs of the Targaryen royal family, he might have been spared such a swift downfall.

Issues of royal succession are always delicate, and the High Sparrow's misstep led to his inevitable demise.

The aftermath of his death in King's Landing had not yet settled when Ramsay began searching for the noble friends who had once supported the High Sparrow.

"Open the door!"

The spies of the interior ministry, like vengeful spirits, broke into many grand estates, arresting their owners without a proper trial. In their eyes, the king's word was law.

Ramsay Snow, known for his brutal interrogation methods, led the questioning. His cruel tactics often broke the prisoners quickly. After his interrogations, many more were implicated, even pointing to a free trade city-state overseas. However, it wasn't Braavos, which had become cautious after a previous incident with Viserys.

King's Landing was engulfed in turmoil.

Elsewhere, the last holdout against the Iron Throne, the Vale's nobles, formed an alliance and, under the leadership of Jon Royce, attacked Gulltown. The news of defeats elsewhere dampened their spirits, and internal strife began to erupt. Petyr Baelish, Littlefinger, saw this as an opportunity and played on the divisions among them.

Jon Royce, initially a staunch opponent of the Iron Throne, wavered and considered negotiating a favorable position for himself. Holding the old duke's widow and son gave him leverage to legitimately claim the Eyrie.

Yet, there were many with similar ambitions.

Only the Blackfish, Brynden Tully, stood firm, desiring to avenge his elder brother.

However, an unexpected incident occurred.